Respiratory influence on brain dynamics: the preponderant role of the nasal pathway and deep slow regime

Author: Maxime Juventin1, Valentin Ghibaudo1, Jules Granget1,2, Corine Amat1, Emmanuelle Courtiol1, Nathalie Buonviso3
Affiliation:
1 Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon. Inserm U1028 - CNRS UMR5292 - Université Lyon 1, 69675, Bron Cedex, France.
2 Sorbonne Université, Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique UMRS 1158, Paris, France.
3 Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon. Inserm U1028 - CNRS UMR5292 - Université Lyon 1, 69675, Bron Cedex, France. nathalie.buonviso@cnrs.fr.
Conference/Journal: Pflugers Arch
Date published: 2022 Jun 30
Other: Special Notes: doi: 10.1007/s00424-022-02722-7. , Word Count: 143


As a possible body signal influencing brain dynamics, respiration is fundamental for perception, cognition, and emotion. The olfactory system has recently acquired its credentials by proving to be crucial in the transmission of respiratory influence on the brain via the sensitivity to nasal airflow of its receptor cells. Here, we present recent findings evidencing respiration-related activities in the brain. Then, we review the data explaining the fact that breathing is (i) nasal and (ii) being slow and deep is crucial in its ability to stimulate the olfactory system and consequently influence the brain. In conclusion, we propose a possible scenario explaining how this optimal respiratory regime can promote changes in brain dynamics of an olfacto-limbic-respiratory circuit, providing a possibility to induce calm and relaxation by coordinating breathing regime and brain state.

Keywords: Breathing; Olfactory bulb; Oscillatory rhythms.

PMID: 35768698 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02722-7

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